She was 60. Colo, the first gorilla born in a zoo, and who just celebrated her 60th birthday on December 22, 2016, died overnight in her sleep.
“Colo touched the hearts of generations of people who came to see her and those that cared for her over her long lifetime,” said Tom Stalf, president and CEO in a statement. “She was an ambassador for gorillas and inspired people to learn more about the critically endangered species and motivated them to protect gorillas in their native habitat.”
The zoo indicates that Colo exceeded her normal life expectancy by more than two decades. Earlier last month, she had a malignant tumor removed from under her arm. “At that time surgeons felt they obtained clean, wide margins when they removed the mass and until a necropsy (animal autopsy) is performed it is unknown if the cancer contributed to her death.”
“She was the coolest animal I’ve ever worked with and caring for her was the highlight of my career,” said assistant curator Audra Meinelt. “It was not just about what she meant for the gorilla community but for whom she was as a gorilla. I’m heartbroken but also grateful for the 19 years I had with Colo.”
To name Colo, the zoo held a national ‘Name the Baby Gorilla’ contest. The name Colo is short for Columbus, Ohio. The zoo is now home to 16 endangered lowland gorillas, including Colo’s daughter, Toni; grandson, Mac; granddaughter, Cassie; great-granddaughter, Dotty; and great grandson, JJ.
The Zoo has designated an area outside of the Zoo’s entrance for anyone wishing to remember Colo. Any donations made in her memory will be used to support the Zoo’s gorilla conservation programs.
Contributions can be made through the Zoo’s website: give.columbuszoo.org/colo.